Newsletter for Monday, Oct 17 2016

INSTAGRAM OF THE DAY

SEPTA’S BUS, TROLLEY AND SUBWAY OPERATORS VOTED TO AUTHORIZE A STRIKE

If the Transportation Workers Union Local 234 can’t reach an agreement with SEPTA by Halloween, Philly’s bus, subway and trolley operators will go on strike. That brings a whole new level of meaning to our zombie SEPTA token costume idea. Union workers voted unanimously yesterday to authorize the strike, Philly.com reported, and members have no plans to extend their current contract. Healthcare, pension and wages — the usual contract sticking points —all need to be negotiated.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK (PROBABLY): LEGALIZING UBERX AND LYFT IN PHILLY

UberX and Lyft will finally — maybe, probably — become legal in Philadelphia this week. Pa. House Republican Caucus spokesperson Steve Miskin told Billy Penn a vote would likely take place this week as the House returns to session. That timetable sounds amazing for any Philadelphian who’s tired of — technically! — breaking the law to get an easy, cheap ride. But it’s only believable if the legislature and ride-sharing lobbyists are finally finished with a year’s worth of dissecting and amending what should be the rare bipartisan slam dunk. This is why it’s taken so long to officially legalize ride-sharing in Philadelphia.

7 HARD TRUTHS ABOUT THE EAGLES AFTER SUNDAY’S LOSS

The Eagles lost to Washington Sunday and looked really bad on offense and defense. Meanwhile, the Cowboys crushed the Packers and the Giants came back to win in dramatic fashion over the Ravens. From 3-0 to 3-2, the Eagles are in some trouble. The wheels haven’t fallen off the wagon yet, but they sure as heck are wobbling. From ‘Big V’ to wonky D to Dougie P to penalties, there are some hard truths coming out of Sunday’s loss.

What happens when you give dozens of local chefs 1732 Meats bacon, ask them to make their most creative dishes with it, and pair the results with craft beer? Short answer: Very good things. Slightly longer but more gratifying answer: The 2016 Philadelphia Bacon and Beer Festival, back for its 4th year. The whole thing benefits local hunger nonprofit MANNA, too.

BILLY PENN LIKES

TEMPERATURES IN THE 80S THIS WEEK

Put those pumpkin carving tools down. It’s going to be 80 degrees today. Higher still on Tuesday and Wednesday. Trade your pumpkin spice for a cold brew and your desk lunch for a park bench, and just enjoy this little last gasp from summer. Temperatures will be back into the low 60s by the weekend.